hormones

[Aprilrain]

OK I need to know as I am obsessed with the idea of taking female hormones. If you are taking hormones who is administering the hormones, Doc or um other? Do you plan on a full transition or something else and what has been your personal experience with the effects i.e. subtle or drastic. Are you happy? Have you taken them and then changed your mind and stopped? Any other words of wisdom you might wish to share on this topic?

Yes I know there is a transexual forum and a body forum but most people browse this forum.

[JulieK1980]

Working in the health field, I can tell you, it's EXTREMELY important to talk to a doctor first before you start any hormone therapy regime be it synthetic, over the counter, herbal, or what have you. Any form of hormone replacement, or supplement can be extremely dangerous if not properly regulated.

Talk to a doctor, and go from there. If it helps at all, some of the female hormones also have good qualities in reducing the chances of BPH (enlarged prostate) Prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and many, many other male associated cancers.

The main drawback is that it appears most hormones in general are major contributing factors to cancer. Every hormone in the body, (there are several thousand) react and regulate each other to create a balance. Taking one, throws off another ones levels, and so on and so forth. Usually hormone treatments will involve a whole slew of different hormones to try to re-balance the body. Making this something you should NOT try without a doctor to assist in managing the proper levels, and lab work to verify your hormone levels.

[Aprilrain]

Thank you Jody for your medical expertise. I have read about all that ad nauseam on the many medical sites related to this subject. I am specifically interested in personal experiences be they good or bad, legal or illegal, ethical or unethical. Of course we all know what we SHOULD do but that is not always what we do. Reading generic medical reports about the effects and dangers is only so informative. My parents made it pretty clear that drinking and doing drugs was going to be BAD so i went out and "experimented" for 14 years and now I KNOW they were right. Tell me your experience not your opinions. Well OK opinions can be interesting to but lets just be clear that they are opinions and nothing else.

Yes I know that I said "any words of wisdom you might wish to share" So Jody has already covered the obvious lets move on.

[JulieK1980]

I think I covered a portion of the ethical standpoint. (My own ethical code) You've been warned.

(also note, they aren't actually opinions. They are based off of medical theories, and facts. I'd give sources, but I suspect they won't be read.) ;)

Either way, good luck. :)

I can cover the full legal aspect for you as well.
It's illegal to use prescription medications without a prescription. (hormones are included) Its legal to take over the counter supplements like soy, and estroven. (these will do nothing for you without an oriechtomy, or an already below average testosterone level)

I also do apologize for not giving the fluffy, "everything will be great" reply you were searching for.

[alice clair]

Thank you Jodicd
I think it is great to have a real professional on here to help with these things, i am grateful for the advice as i was wondering the same things about hormone therapy so i am really thankful for Jodi answering that question for ALL OF US. Thank you again for the information.

Michelle

[Aprilrain]

I am not interested in fluff or medical theory or medical fact just individual personal experience. Jody I would love to hear your personal experience with taking hormones.

[JulieK1980]

If your not interested in medical fact, then hormones probably aren't for you.

I'm not sure what "fluff" your referring to, so I can't respond to that. It honestly sounds more like your just upset because I'm not telling you what you want to hear. There are assorted threads on here about people's experiences with hormones, to peruse. I suspect your just looking for self justification to harm your body. If your too scared to talk to a counselor about transgenderism then why on earth would you wish to make changes to your body that you couldn't hide?

My experiences with hormones consist mostly from females who went through HRT back when they still gave HRT as long term post menopausal treatment therapy. Of them, (There were 12 all together) all of them developed cancer. The time frame to take hormones is approximately 2-5 years, past that your looking at nearly 100% incidence of cancer. As there is extremely limited research on transgendered people taking it, the risks are probably significantly higher. What we do know however is that in foreign countries where its common for people to purchase them on the street or through other less regulated ways, they die within 10 years of starting, many due to not keeping a standardized regime. (taking them intermittently, or at the wrong doses.)

Hormone therapy isn't a cure all, fix everything solution as I'm sure many of those on it that are transgendered on here will tell you. Unless you are actually transgendered and plan on transitioning HRT is NOT for you. HRT involves dramatic changes to the body's cellular components, and simply put. If you take it without proper regulation you will die. It's that simple. Even with a physician monitoring your hormone levels, it can kill you. The reality is modern medical science doesn't even now fully understand how all the hormones in the body work and interact. It's just an educated guess at the amount they give you to mimic a genetic female. The reality is, hormone therapy is NOT the same thing as working up the courage to buy a pair of pantyhose at sears. What you need to realize is that you have to determine if radical hormone therapy is a want or a need. Ask yourself, If you don't take them, or don't transition will you be able to survive emotionally? Or will this detrimentally affect your life to the point where you would consider harming yourself or others? If it's the latter, I highly recommend a psychiatrist to evaluate your need for HRT and possible SRS. Otherwise, just stick to dressing up. Or you could just self medicate, and eventually kill yourself in the process.

I'm not attacking you, but you won't get a positive fluffy response as there isn't one.

[My Lady Marsea]

Ok here is a personal experience. I'm 24/7 TG/TS and I've been on HRT like about a year and it is through a licensed endocrinologist with total gender specialty who has given me a prescription. Outside of some breast development which I think could be like much improved on, I see not many other personal physical changes. I still have what I consider too much hair growth and am even doing electrolysis under my eyebrows as that's like too hard to keep up with every day or two. I don't think my skin has gotten softer but then I've lived with it all my life. I had some extreme leg & finger cramping at the beginning but it seems to have settled down pretty much or wutever at this point. I have indeed gained weight but attribute most of that to my "reborn" bad eating habits and don't see any significant redistribution of said weight. My "boi" parts are like about totally useless but then I never cared about them before. I could not perform as a male I think if even my life depended on it. I am of course like well over 60 so it's not a biggie to me anymore. The one biggest thing I am thankful for though is like the overall mental state of being at total ease with my inner self and feeling like the girl I am. I do not and I think never will regret my decision to start HRT, but I knew from the onset that I was not a CD but a true girl locked in this so totally lame body with every intention for SRS should the opportunity ever like financially present itself. For me overall....life is at last good.

[Bree-asaurus]

I've only been on hormones for 2.5 months but the changes are amazing already (mostly mental). I feel normal now. Before it was like my square feelings wouldn't fit through the round hole, but now everything just fits. I feel at peace. I couldn't go back to how I was before after feeling like this. Oh, and now I can cry at the drop of a hat, lol.

Right now the only physical changes I have noticed is my skin is a little softer and I have started getting some breast development on my previously boney chest. My sisters says my face has rounded out a little but I can't really tell. Oh, and yeah, some unwanted body parts are now dormant, YAY!

I'm happy with it all, but I'm glad I did it the right way, going through the proper channels. I personally don't see any benefit to self-medicating if that's what you are considering. If you haven't already, I highly recommend finding a good therapist to talk to about your issues, who will write you a recommendation letter when you're ready, and then have a doctor prescribe and monitor HRT. It's easy, it's safer and it will benefit you down the road (your health and if you ever plan to go further than HRT).

EDIT: I forgot to agree with Jody :) Jody's opinion ++

[Melody Moore]

I need to know as I am obsessed with the idea of taking female hormones.

You will find that transsexuals don't have an obsession about taking hormones - HRT is a secondary treatment that a transsexual undertakes after it has been established that they are making an informed decision with full awareness & acceptance all of the risks. Most transsexuals dream of a magic pink pill you can take and 'Hey Presto - Instant Girl' but it doesn't happen just like that - Feminisation takes work and there is a lot you can do to feminise without the need for hormones - you can grow your hair out, start removing facial hair & body hair, learn how to dress & apply make up etc. Just look at the Male to Female Cross-dressers on this site as an example of those who have never taken hormones in their life but are extremely femme - some even go as far as having full breast augmentation rather than go on hormones and face this level of risk.

Just because you went out and "experimented" with recreational drugs for 14 years it doesn't mean that you really should do the same with hormones - because they are very powerful medications that change many physiological aspects of your body. Jody has mentioned hormones can be a major contributing factors to cancer, but there are other risks involved such as Thrombosis where blood clots form inside a blood vessel & can lodge anywhere in your body, in your heart & kill you or worse still, they lodge in your brain and leave you in a coma & with permanent brain damage. So don't you think its very foolish to let your obsession with hormones over rule good old common sense?

In certain cases & especially in cases like your own where you appear to not be too interested in medical fact, then hormones probably aren't for you just as Jody also pointed out. So doctors will not prescribe hormones without proper diagnosis & first starting you on T-Blockers (Testosterone Inhibitors) as part of a diagnostics procedure to help them in the diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria. I know a local transsexual who is just 20 year of age who going through this right now under the care of specialist doctors & psychologist & is currently taking Androcur. She is fully aware of the risks & content in the treatment she is currently getting right now & also very wise to do things the proper way.

I'm not attacking you either, but you won't get that fluffy response from me either or from anyone else undergoing hormone treatment because as Jody says...there isn't one. There is a high level of risk involved & you need to be prepared to be monitored with proper medical supervision and deal with those risks.

[CharleneT]

I am not interested in fluff or medical theory or medical fact just individual personal experience. Jody I would love to hear your personal experience with taking hormones.

Regardless of how much we'd like to think otherwise, our personal experience narratives are basically fluff . . . As already pointed out, the place is literally crawling with narratives about people experiences with hormones. Give 'em a read ;)

[Melody Moore]

I should also mention that those that have had the worst experiences with hormones
are no longer around or are no longer capable of telling you about their bad experiences. :(

[JenniferB]

Oh, and yeah, some unwanted body parts are now dormant, YAY!

after only 2.5 months?

[Felicity71]

OK I need to know as I am obsessed with the idea of taking female hormones. If you are taking hormones who is administering the hormones, Doc or um other? Do you plan on a full transition or something else and what has been your personal experience with the effects i.e. subtle or drastic. Are you happy? Have you taken them and then changed your mind and stopped? Any other words of wisdom you might wish to share on this topic?

Yes I know there is a transexual forum and a body forum but most people browse this forum.

Ive been on them for 11 months now. Am I happy, I believe I am. I have a doctor, and with the medication, i use what has been prescribed and not more. The first few months were a little difficult due to working in retail with the public. I know of some people who changed their mind. I know of some who over used their medication and caused blood clots, depression. We have to keep telling new people its not a wonder drug, there are risks. Depending on your age its going to work better or worse.

[Aprilrain]

Thank you to all who shared their experiences. The reason I was not interested in medical fact or theory on this website is because I have already read all of that on other medical web sites (as previosly stated) What I could not get from those sites was personal stories. As for the pink pill Its a nice fantasy but it does not exist so why would start a thread about that? Hormones exist though.Why is it that because I want to read other peoples experiences that certain people assume that A. I want to take illegal hormones and B. That I am not working with a therapist? When I said that I was obsessed with hormones that was only part of the story. I guess I should have been more clear. Really I can not stop thinking about transitioning but I know that hormones are likely to be the first part of that process and that is what I wanted to read about. The reason I put the part about self medicating in there is because I wanted people who may be doing that to feel free to share also.

[Melody Moore]

Why is it that because I want to read other peoples experiences that certain people assume that A. I want to take illegal hormones and B. That I am not working with a therapist?

Why? because of your own statements


I have read about all that ad nauseam on the many medical sites related to this subject. I am specifically interested in personal experiences be they good or bad, legal or illegal, ethical or unethical. Of course we all know what we SHOULD do but that is not always what we do. Reading generic medical reports about the effects and dangers is only so informative. My parents made it pretty clear that drinking and doing drugs was going to be BAD so i went out and "experimented" for 14 years and now I KNOW they were right.
Going by this previous statement alone it is very easy for anyone to assume that you are seriously
contemplating 'self administrating' hormones against the sound & repeated advice of medical experts.

And why would the generic medical reports not be comprehensive and not be so informative that you wouldn't take good notice of them? especially if the same arguments are repeated time & time again? The argument you try and make here doesnt make any sense to me at all, it already sounds to me you would rather ignore the advice already given & learn a lesson the hard way. You've also been told a number of times in this thread that the information you are seeking here is already posted in dozens of threads.

You admitted going against the advice of your parents and took illegal drugs and admit it was a bad thing to do.... the doctors in this case are the same your parents and the best source of information because hormones can & will affect everyone differently because of the variables involved just ask anyone here and I'm sure that most of the transsexuals on HRT & this site will also agree on this point. What might be good for one can be bad for another.

I think you will find that all transsexuals cannot stop thinking about transitioning and that is why they usually seek
proper help from trained professionals & dont take matters into their own hands, so I have no further comment for you.

[Stephenie S]

Yes. Those of us who actually DO take hormones do so not because we WANT to. We do it because we HAVE to.

It's not something to trifle with.

Stephie

[Aprilrain]

"just ask anyone here"

That is what I have been trying to do but only half of the people who have posted have actually answered any of my questions.

[Sharon]

"just ask anyone here"

That is what I have been trying to do but only half of the people who have posted have actually answered any of my questions.

Perhaps this is because half of the members here don't wish you to cause possible harm to yourself taking serious medications that react in so many different ways to different people.

[LaurenS.]

I will tell you that I've been on hormones for 1 &1/2 years. I'm under an endo's care and all is going well. The reason I went on hormones wasn't to transition but to try and calm myself emotionally. Before hormones I was ready to run to Trinadad, CO. Now I am much calmer and can live a more "normal" life, at least for me. Low dose hormones have proven beneficial to many in that regard. I started on hormones knowing full well the danger but elected to submit to the risk to live a better life. That said, I am very scared about the latest results of the HRT survey that came out last week. It is very apparent now that the risk is greater than previously thought and the cancer while on HRT is more agressive and is likely to have spread before it is discovered. I have much more to think about and will be entering in much discussion with my endo. While the mental benefits have been good so have the physical. Softer skin, less and slower hair growth and signifcant breast development. However we can't have it both ways. I have a big decision to make. But I will make it after I have all the info I can get to make it wisely.
Good luck on your transgendered journey. I know it can be a bumpy ride.
Lauren

[Danni Bear]

Aprilrain,

You stated that you asked the questions and only a few have answered them.

Let me tell you . I am a transitioned M2F and my husband is a F2M transitioned TS. We have both been on hormones for over twelve years now.
Hormone therapy literally saved my life. Would I suggest hormones for anybody else? Be they prescribed or self-administered. The answer would normally be an emphatic no. There are people like me who need them to survive, most do not. Hormone therapy is a journey filled with pain, fear,doubt,and danger. The dangers associated with hormone therapy are real and can be deadly. I have suffered a stroke that was linked directly to it and my husband has had a heart attack that our Dr. thinks may be linked also. Hormone therapy does not end when you transition, it is a lifelong trip. Your body has to have them to function either as a male or as a female. Hormone therapy is a very serious step, one that anyone who considers it should take deliberate and slow steps before proceeding. Only with proper and careful help from caring and knowledgeable professionals.

This may not be what you hoped to hear, but it is from someone who has and is traveling that path.

Danni

[Bree-asaurus]

after only 2.5 months?

No I'm lying... yes lol... it's been gradual since a couple weeks after starting HRT, but now nothing happens down there unless I put in a bit of effort (which I only do every week or longer just to make sure the nerve endings don't forget what to do). I'm guessing that happening that fast isn't the norm?

EDIT: Just rechecked when I started and it's been a little over three months... still not very long at all. Anybody else that started HRT around my age want to share info about how soon they noticed effects? Feel free to PM me.

[arbon]

Bree - I have noticed the same in a very short period.

I kinda get irritated,

I am not seeing a doctor for HRT.

For the last two years I was in terrible anxiety about gender. I was on anti depresents, I had emergancy pills from my doctor to put me out if it was real bad. I have been seeing a therapist since january 2010.

Still the day came when my wife took my hunting rifle out of the house because she saw what was in my eyes and she was right - that day I searched for the rifle.

Soomething had to change.

My doctor refused to prescribe HRT. My therapist said I would have to go to Portland, seattle, or denver. I can't afford that!

The endrocoligists in the state are all in league to deny hrt treatment to trans patients -they don't want us in there waitinig rooms.

There is one gp in the state I know is treating trans woman but still it is another long commute and more money then I have right now for the visits and test - and the reports from other trans woman have not been exactly glowing about her.

So I choose to self medicate. It is my choice, and the risks I am willing to take because I could not handle it anymore. I know there are risks!!! I know it is dangerous!!! So was having a hunting rifle in my home though!

Some day soon I hope to have a dotcor lined up and the money to pay them but until then it is so much more usefull if other trans woman can be a ittle more supportive and a little less judgmental about what I and so many others are doing.

I just love hearing all the lectures from those on hrt doing it by the book with all the right medical supervision, and in the same post or sentance they reemphazie how they had to do it!

is'nt it luky you that had the means and access to the medical care?

So far at about 9 weeks on HRT I am happy with my choices. I don't wake up every morning wishing I had died in my sleep instead. I am feeling better about me!! So the risks to me are worth it.

[arbon]

I came across in a much more defensive way then peoples replies to Aprilrain would warrent - I appologise.

While I do understand why people encourage caution about HRT and are informing of the risks I also think it is a real bad idea to suffer so long that you can't hack it anymore and blow your head off.


I just feel like sometimes those that do this without a doctor or who are even just asking questions here about it get judged harshly. The OP may really need them but some of the replies to her have bee very dismisive of that potential need which in my opinion is disturbing.

[Felicity71]

Bree - I have noticed the same in a very short period.

I kinda get irritated,

I am not seeing a doctor for HRT.

For the last two years I was in terrible anxiety about gender. I was on anti depresents, I had emergancy pills from my doctor to put me out if it was real bad. I have been seeing a therapist since january 2010.

Still the day came when my wife took my hunting rifle out of the house because she saw what was in my eyes and she was right - that day I searched for the rifle.

Soomething had to change.

My doctor refused to prescribe HRT. My therapist said I would have to go to Portland, seattle, or denver. I can't afford that!

The endrocoligists in the state are all in league to deny hrt treatment to trans patients -they don't want us in there waitinig rooms.

There is one gp in the state I know is treating trans woman but still it is another long commute and more money then I have right now for the visits and test - and the reports from other trans woman have not been exactly glowing about her.

So I choose to self medicate. It is my choice, and the risks I am willing to take because I could not handle it anymore. I know there are risks!!! I know it is dangerous!!! So was having a hunting rifle in my home though!

Some day soon I hope to have a dotcor lined up and the money to pay them but until then it is so much more usefull if other trans woman can be a ittle more supportive and a little less judgmental about what I and so many others are doing.

I just love hearing all the lectures from those on hrt doing it by the book with all the right medical supervision, and in the same post or sentance they reemphazie how they had to do it!

is'nt it luky you that had the means and access to the medical care?

So far at about 9 weeks on HRT I am happy with my choices. I don't wake up every morning wishing I had died in my sleep instead. I am feeling better about me!! So the risks to me are worth it.

No worries, you do what you have to do, and if you understand the risks, then good luck. I know of a rather popular trans-woman on youtube who explained the difficulties thrown up at her. In the US it seems to be where you live matters alot getting hrt. In Australia I think we have it fairly good, without too many hurdles nowadays. Of course we still have to point out its dangerous, to those that wish this 'magic pill'.

[JulieK1980]

I came across in a much more defensive way then peoples replies to Aprilrain would warrent - I appologise.

While I do understand why people encourage caution about HRT and are informing of the risks I also think it is a real bad idea to suffer so long that you can't hack it anymore and blow your head off.


I just feel like sometimes those that do this without a doctor or who are even just asking questions here about it get judged harshly. The OP may really need them but some of the replies to her have bee very dismisive of that potential need which in my opinion is disturbing.

There is no doubt in my mind that many need them to survive. That's quite clear. Unfortunately doing so without medical supervision to monitor hormone levels usually ends in the death of the person taking them. Everything in healthcare is based on weighing the risks with the benefits. The purpose is NOT to judge those that have weighed those risks and benefits, and come to the conclusion that it's life or death. The purpose is to make 100% positive that the risks are actually known to the person. Everyone across the TG spectrum has contemplated hormones from the Fetishistic, to the Crossdressers, to the Transgendered, to the Intersexed. Unfortunately many people don't truly understand the risks, and many people underestimate the risks. It's absolutely vital to make sure people understand them. If I come across as judging, then so be it. I'll accept that, as long as the risks are put out there for people to see. It's not necessarily a choice for people to see an endo, and these are specifically the people that NEED the information on HRT so they can make an informed decision on what they do. It's not a judgement on the person. If anything its a judgement on Health Care that leaves many without necessary treatment in our society.